“I understand [this Suicide Squad film] is a bit of an introduction to The Joker. It’s more of a supporting part than it could have been, had they used everything – but there’s a method to [the filmmakers’] madness,” Leto told NME last summer.

Now Ayer has conceded that he under-used Leto in the movie, telling a fan on Twitter: “Wish I had a time machine. I’d make Joker the main villain and engineer a more grounded story.”

“I have to give the characters the stories and plots they deserve next time,” he added, before insisting “there isn’t a secret edit of the film with a bunch of [extra] Joker scenes.”